Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute obsession with red velvet cinnamon rolls! I first stumbled upon this delightful treat at a cozy little café, and I was instantly hooked. The moment I took a bite, I was enveloped in that soft, pillowy dough, with the rich cocoa flavor mingling perfectly with the sweet cinnamon. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magic at home. They’re perfect for brunch, special occasions, or just a cozy day in. Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these beauties topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, you’ll understand why everyone raves about red velvet cinnamon rolls. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience that brings smiles and warmth to any gathering!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get started on these heavenly red velvet cinnamon rolls! I promise, the process is as delightful as the end result. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to cinnamon roll bliss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those rolls perfectly baked!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; we want a nice, smooth mix!
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s all combined—trust me, the red color is going to make these rolls pop!
- Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until your dough is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy rolls, not dense bricks!
- Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but aim for a nice, even shape.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. This is where the magic begins! Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter, spreading it out so every bite will be sweet and spiced.
- Now, here’s the fun part! Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just try to keep it as tight as you can!
- Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. I like to use a sharp knife or even dental floss for a clean cut—this helps maintain that beautiful swirl!
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close but not touching. They’ll puff up beautifully as they bake!
- Bake those beauties in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re fluffy and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Oh, the smell is going to be amazing!
- While they’re baking, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You’ll want to spread this on while the rolls are warm for the ultimate melty goodness!
- Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before generously spreading that frosting over the top. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Nutritional Information
If you’re curious about the nutritional side of my scrumptious red velvet cinnamon rolls, I’ve got you covered! Each roll is a delicious indulgence packed with flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per roll:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, a little treat every now and then is totally worth it, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You’ll have these rolls in the oven in no time!
- Delicious flavor: The rich cocoa and sweet cinnamon create a mouthwatering combo.
- Perfect for special occasions: Impress your friends and family with these stunning treats.
- Cream cheese frosting: The creamy, dreamy topping makes each bite unforgettable.
Trust me, once you try these red velvet cinnamon rolls, they’ll become your go-to indulgence for any celebration!
Tips for Success
Getting perfect red velvet cinnamon rolls is all about the little details! Here are my top tips to ensure they turn out beautifully every time:
- Don’t overwork the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough rolls, and nobody wants that!
- Check for doneness: The rolls are done when they’re puffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s too wet, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before frosting them. This way, the frosting melts just enough to soak into those delicious swirls!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature will help you achieve a smooth and creamy frosting.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the most scrumptious red velvet cinnamon rolls that everyone will love!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your red velvet cinnamon rolls! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some chocolate chips to the filling for an extra chocolatey twist? Or, for a nutty crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts—yum!
Feeling fruity? A sprinkle of diced strawberries or raspberries can add a delightful freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. And when it comes to frosting, don’t hesitate to mix it up! A vanilla bean frosting or even a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting can elevate these rolls to a whole new level. Get creative and make them your own!
Serving Suggestions
These red velvet cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages can elevate your experience! I love serving them with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte—there’s just something magical about that combination. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a nice cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, complements the sweetness beautifully. And don’t forget to have a glass of cold milk on standby—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints! Enjoy your rolls with your favorite drink and watch everyone smile!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover red velvet cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator for about a week. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key! I recommend microwaving individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds until they’re warm and gooey. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll be just like fresh out of the oven!
Print
Red velvet cinnamon rolls that will steal your heart today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious red velvet cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients together until smooth.
- Roll dough out and spread softened butter on top.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until done.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add more cocoa powder.
- Ensure rolls are warm before adding frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: red velvet cinnamon rolls, dessert, baking, cream cheese frosting
